Golf putting game kit and method

ABSTRACT

A golf game including a ball, a first pin, and two second pins, the pins being disposed co-linearly on a putting surface, one second pin on either side of the first pin. A method of playing the golf game including placing the ball on the putting surface at a starting point, standing the first pin and the two second pins on the putting surface at a first distance from the ball, striking the ball with a putter to cause the ball to roll towards the pins, and scoring “one” if the ball knocks down only the first pin, “two” if the ball knocks down the first pin and one or both of the second pins, “three” if the ball knocks down only one of the second pins, or “four” if the ball fails to knock down any pins.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/901,557, filed on Feb. 15, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a golf putting game for recreation and for practicing golf and improving putting skills.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous golf putting games are known. Some putting games challenge the accuracy of putting aim of a golfer but they do not simultaneously challenge the accuracy of putting force of a golfer. Most putting games include some method for scoring, often simulating actual golf scores in their counting methodologies. Many of these putting games are complex or use equipment that is not readily portable or relocatable from one place to another, or require the use of a particular putting surface. Some of these putting games include automatic scoring and therefore require a supply of electricity.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a golf putting game that simultaneously challenges the accuracy of putting aim and the accuracy of putting force of a golfer. Further, it is desirable to provide a golf putting game that is readily portable and may be played on almost any surface without the need for a supply of electricity. Additional advantages to the golf game kit and method of the present invention will be apparent in view of the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a golf game played on a putting surface, the game comprising a generally spherical ball, a first pin having a modified cylindrical shape and adapted to stand on an end on a putting surface, and two second pins each having a modified cylindrical shape and adapted to stand on an end on the putting surface. The first pin and the second pins are substantially aligned co-linearly in a pin line, one second pin being disposed on either side of the first pin so that the distance between the first pin and either second pin is slightly less than the diameter of the ball. The golf game may further comprise a penalty line disposed on the putting surface parallel to the pin line and spaced apart from the pins by a distance.

In another embodiment, the first pin and the second pins are substantially aligned co-linearly in a pin line, one second pin being disposed on either side of the first pin so that the distance between the first pin and either second pin is greater than or approximately equal to the diameter of the ball.

The present invention provides a method of playing a golf game comprising the steps of placing a generally spherical ball on a putting surface at a starting point, standing a first pin on the putting surface at a first distance from the ball, standing two second pins on the putting surface substantially aligned co-linearly with the first pin in a pin line preferably substantially perpendicular to a line extending between the ball starting point and the first pin, and striking the ball with a putter to cause the ball to roll towards the pins.

When the distance between the first pin and each of the second pins is slightly less than the diameter of the ball, a golfer may record a score of one if the ball knocks down only the first pin, a score of two if the ball knocks down the first pin and one or both of the second pins, a score of three if the ball knocks down only one of the second pins, or a score of four if the ball fails to knock down any pins.

Alternatively, when the distance between the first pin and each of the second pins is greater than or approximately equal to the diameter of the ball, a golfer may record a score of one if the ball knocks down only the first pin, a score of two if the golf ball passes between the first pin and one of the second pins without knocking down either pin or if the ball knocks down the first pin and one or both of the second pins, a score of three if the ball knocks down only one of the second pins, or a score of four if the ball fails to knock down any pins.

The method of playing a golf game may further comprise the steps of designating a penalty line disposed on the opposite side of the pin line from the ball starting point, and incrementing the golfer's score by one if the ball crosses the penalty line. The penalty line may be parallel to the pin line or the penalty line may be a generally arc-shaped line centered about the starting point of the ball. The method of playing a golf game may further comprise the step of incrementing the golfer's score by one if the ball fails to reach the pin line. A full game of golf, simulating a regulation golf course, may be achieved by repeating the method provided by the present invention eighteen times and totaling the scores recorded during each repetition thereof.

The present invention provides a kit for playing a golf game comprising a first pin having a modified cylindrical shape and adapted to stand on an end on a putting surface, two second pins each having a modified cylindrical shape and adapted to stand on an end on the putting surface, and a template for positioning the pins so that the second pins are substantially aligned co-linearly with the first pin to form a pin line, one second pin being disposed on either side of the first pin, each second pin being spaced apart from the first pin by a distance.

The present invention provides a kit for playing a golf game comprising a first pin having a modified cylindrical shape and adapted to stand on an end on a putting surface, two second pins each having a modified cylindrical shape and adapted to stand on an end on the putting surface, and a matt comprising markings designating a first spot for placing the first pin and two second spots for placing the second pins, each second spot being substantially aligned co-linearly with the first spot to form a pin line, each second spot being disposed on either side of the first spot and spaced apart from the first spot by a distance.

Other objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description, when considered in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings briefly described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain features of the invention. However, it should be understood that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of the game of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the detailed shape and dimensions of a preferred pin for use in the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the pins set up for use in the game of the present invention with a ball superimposed to display relative scale.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the pins and ball shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a template to aid in placing the pins for playing the game of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a matt for use in playing the game of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the figures, where like numerals identify like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 an embodiment of game kit 10 of the present invention. The kit 10 comprises a set of pins 100 including a first pin 20 and two second pins 25. In order to use the kit 10 for playing a golf-like game, a striking implement 60 and a ball 15 must be used. It is apparent that a standard commercially available golf putter may be used as a striking implement 60 and a standard commercially available golf ball may be used as a ball 15. For sake of ease of description, the term “putter” is used herein interchangeably with the term “striking implement,” and the term “golf ball” is used herein interchangeably with the term “ball,” it being understood that other striking implements 60 and balls 15 of varying sizes and forms may alternatively be used with the game of the present invention.

For playing the golf-like game of the present invention, the kit 10 is set out on a putting surface 50 that is preferably capable of providing for a golf ball 15 to roll consistently and predictably thereon when struck with a putter 60. The putting surface 50 may include, but is not limited to, such indoor surfaces as carpet, linoleum, or hardwood, and such outdoor surfaces as grass, clay, an artificial putting matt or green, an artificial turf matt, asphalt, or a tennis court, and other similar regular surfaces. For example, a putting matt 120, as shown in FIG. 5, may be provided with the kit 10.

Prior to playing the golf-like game of the present invention, the components of the kit 10 are configured on the surface 50 in relationship to each other. In particular, the components of the kit 10 are preferably oriented according to a pin line 35 and a starting point 32. The starting point 32 can be used to define a base line 30 that is generally parallel to the pin line 35 and spaced apart from the pin line 35 by a distance of D1. A penalty line 40 can also be provided, the penalty line 40 being generally parallel to the pin line 35 and spaced apart from the pin line 35 by a distance of D2. Alternatively, the penalty line 40 can be spaced apart from the starting point 32 or from the base line 30 by a distance of D3.

The starting point 32 (and optionally the base line 30), the pin line 35, and the penalty line 40 may be drawn onto the putting surface 50 or may be printed on a prefabricated matt 120 having a putting surface 50 that may be provided in the kit 10. Alternatively, the penalty line 40 may be a fixed object like a wall or a curb which the ball 15 may strike but cannot roll past. The penalty line 40 can be parallel to the base line 30 and the pin line 35. Alternatively, the penalty line can be an arc-shaped penalty line 40 a centered about a point on the base line 30, a point on the pin line 35, or any other convenient reference point. Further alternatively, the penalty line can be a generally V-shaped penalty line 40 b that is closer to the pin line 35 at a central point and extends farther away from the pin line 35 towards the edges.

A golf ball 15 is placed at the starting point 32 on the base line 30 so that a centerline of the golf ball 15 is preferably aligned with on the base line 30. The pins 100 are placed on the pin line 35, the first pin 20 being flanked on either side by one of the second pin 25, so that a centerline of each of the pins 20, 25 preferably rests on the pin line 35. The center of each second pin 25 is spaced apart a distance of D4 from the center of the first pin 20. The kit 10 can include a template 110, as depicted in FIG. 5, to assist in spacing the second pins 25 relative to the first pin 20. The first pin 20 is preferably located on the pin line 35 at a point in line with starting point 32 of the golf ball 15, such that a line running generally perpendicularly from the pin line 35 intersects the respective centerlines of the golf ball 15 and the first pin 20. Alternatively, to vary the level of challenge of the game, the starting point 32 can be located at different positions along the base line 30.

The distances D1 and D2 (and hence the distance D3, which is simply the sum of D1 and D2) may be selected to make the golf-like game of the present invention more or less challenging. Increasing the distance D1 puts a premium on accuracy of aim. Decreasing the distance D2, or similarly decreasing the ratio of the distances D2 to D1, puts a premium on accuracy of striking force. For example, to make the game easier for children or those with lesser skill, the distance D1 may be decreased and/or the distance D2 may be increased, essentially providing the player with a handicap. Alternatively, to make the game more difficult for professional golfers, the distance D1 may be increased and/or the distance D2 may be decreased.

The distance D4 between the first pin 20 and each second pin 25 is sized in relation to the diameter X of the ball 15 and in relation to the diameter and shape of the pins 20, 25 at the point where the ball 15 might strike. Preferably, the distance D4 is selected to create a space having a width D5 between the first pin 20 and each second pin 25 whereby the width D5 is slightly smaller than the diameter X of the ball 15, so that a ball 15 is capable of hitting the first pin 20 and one of the second pins 25 on the same roll, either simultaneously or in close temporal proximity. Alternatively, the distance D4 can be selected to create a space having a width D5 between the first pin 20 and each second pin 25 whereby the width D5 is greater than or approximately equal to the diameter X of the ball 15, so that a ball 15 is capable of being putted so as to pass between the first pin 20 and one of the second pins 25 without contact either pin, or without contacting either pin with enough force to cause either pin to be knocked down.

As shown in FIG. 5, a template 110 can be provided in the kit to aid in spacing the pins 20,25. The template 110 comprises a card 111 having markings or notches to indicate the preferred location and to guide the placement of the pins 20, 25. The card 111 can be made from paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, or wood, or other suitable material. The card 111 includes a position indicator 112 for the first pin 20 and a pair of position indicators 116 for the second pins 25, the position indicators 116 being spaced apart in opposite directions from the position indicator 112. The spacing between a centerline running through the position indicator 112 and the centerlines running through each of the position indicators 116 corresponds to the distance D4. The indicator 112 is denoted by a line or cutout 114 and the indicators 116 are denoted by lines or cutouts 118, all of the lines or cutouts 114, 118 preferably being shaped to match the curvature of the pins 20, 25.

The pins 20, 25 are preferably shaped as stylized modified cylinders having a base 70, a waist 75, a neck 80, a head 85, and a top 90, as shown in detail in FIG. 2 and more generally in FIG. 3. Alternatively, simple cylindrical pins 20, 25 can be used. The preferred shape of the pins 20, 25 is similar to, but in somewhat different proportions than, that of a miniature bowling pin. In particular, the base 70 is wider relative to the waist 75 than in a standard bowling pin, giving each pin 20, 25 a more stable foundation and lower center of gravity than a standard bowling pin. The pins 100, including the first pin 20 and the second pins 25, preferably have exactly the same shape and size as each other, the only difference being that the first pin 20 may be designated by a marking, coloring, or other visual means to distinguish it from the second pins 25.

The preferred shape of the pins 20, 25 will be described relative to the size of the ball 15, with particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. In particular, the ball 15 has a diameter of X. The height of each pin 20, 25 from the base 70 to the top 90, designated as Y5, is equal to approximately 1.79 times X. The base 70 is located at a height Y1 equal to 0 and has a diameter X1 equal to approximately 0.45 times X. The waist 75 is located at a height Y2 equal to approximately 0.54 times X and has a diameter X2 equal to approximately 0.60 times X. The neck 80 is located at a height Y3 approximately 1.19 times X and has a diameter X3 equal to approximately 0.28 times X. The head 85 is located at a height Y4 equal to approximately 1.64 times X and has a diameter X4 equal to approximately 0.37 times X. The base 70, waist 75, neck 80, head 85, and to 90 of each pin 20, 25 are preferably interconnected by a smoothly curving shape. Nevertheless, despite the apparent precision of the relative dimensions set forth herein, pins 20, 25 having a wide variation in geometries and shapes, including simple cylinders, may be used in the kit 10 to play the golf-like game of the present invention.

The pins 20, 25 are preferably made from a hardwood such as maple or oak, but may alternatively be made from other woods or other material such as plastic, resin, or metal such that the pins 20, 25 are sufficiently robust to withstand the force of repeatedly being struck and knocked over by a rolling ball 15.

In a preferred embodiment, a standard golf ball 15 is used having a diameter of not less than 1.68″ (and therefore a radius of not less than 0.84″). Each pin 20, 25 is dimensioned approximately as follows, having an overall height of 3.0″ from the base 70 to the top 90, the base 70 having a diameter of 0.75″, the waist 75 disposed at 0.88″ above the base 70 and having a diameter of 1.0″, the neck 80 disposed at 2.0″ above the base 70 and having a diameter of 0.437″, and the head 85 disposed at 2.75″ above the base 70 and having a diameter of 0.625″. The waist 75 of each pin 20, 25 has a gentle curvature so as to be near its maximum diameter for more than 0.10″ above and below the designated height of the waist 75, which is located to approximately match the radius, and accordingly the widest part, of the golf ball 15.

In keeping with the diameter X of the golf ball 15 and the corresponding dimensions of the pins 20, 25, the spacing D4 between the centerline of the first pin 20 and each second pin 25 is preferably set at approximately 2.5″. When the first pin 20 and the second pins 25 are spaced apart by 2.5″ at the centerlines, the distance D5 between the waist 75 of the first pin 20 and the waist 75 of each of the second pins 25 is 1.5″, which is slightly smaller than the diameter of 1.68″ of a standard golf ball 15. Accordingly, a golf ball 15 that is struck so as to travel across the putting surface 50 in a direction generally perpendicular to the pin line 35 is capable of hitting both the first pin 20 and one of the second pins 25 on the same roll.

It is envisioned that other embodiments of the game of the present invention may be created wherein the ball 15 is somewhat larger or smaller than a standard golf ball and the pins 20, 25 are correspondingly somewhat larger or smaller than the dimensions set forth above. Accordingly, the spacing D4 (and D5) may be proportionally adjusted to provide similar functionality as that obtained using a standard golf ball and the corresponding pin dimensions set forth herein.

For playing a golf-like game using the kit 10 of the present invention, the pin line 35 is designated, the first pin 20 is positioned at a point on the pin line 35, one second pin 25 is positioned on the pin line 35 spaced apart at a centerline distance of D4 from the first pin 20, and the another second pin 25 is positioned on the pin line 35 spaced apart at a centerline distance of D4 from the first pin 20 in the opposite direction from the one second pin 25. The ball 15 is positioned at starting point 32 a distance D1 from the first pin 20 as measured by a line running perpendicularly from the pin line 35, the ball 15 defining a base line 30 running through the centerline thereof and parallel to the pin line 35. The distance D1 can be arbitrarily set by the player. The penalty line 40 is preferably parallel to the pin line 35 at a distance of D2 from the pin line 35 on the opposite side of the pin line 35 from the starting point 32. Alternatively, the penalty line 40 can have an arc-shape or V-shape facing towards or away from the pin line 35, or can have some other shape.

As depicted in FIG. 6, a matt 120 can be provided with the kit 10, the matt 120 having a putting surface 50 and markings to facilitate set up and playing of the game. The matt 120 indicates the pin line 35 and the starting point 32 spaced apart from each other by a distance of D1. The matt 120 can also indicate the base line 30 passing through the starting point 32 parallel to the pin line 35. Markings on the matt 120 indicate a spot 36 for placement of the first pin 20. Markings further indicate a pair of spots 37 spaced apart in opposite directions on the pin line 35 from the spot 36 for placement of the second pins 25, the centerline of the spots 37 being located at a distance D4 from the centerline of the spot 36 such that the space between the pins 20, 25 is slightly less than the diameter of the ball 15. Markings can further indicate another pair of spots 38 spaced apart in opposite directions on the pin line 35 from the spot 36 for placement of the second pins 25, the centerline of the spots 38 being located at a distance D4′ from the centerline of the spot 36 such that the space between the pins 20, 25 is greater than or approximately equal to the diameter of the ball 15. The matt 120 can further indicate one or more penalty lines, such as a penalty line 40 generally parallel to the pin line 35 and spaced apart by a distance of D2 from the pin line 35, a penalty line 40 a having an arc shape facing toward the pin line 35, and a penalty line 40 b having a V-shape facing away from the pin line 35. Other variations of penalty lines are possible.

In a preferred embodiment, a standard golf ball 15 is used, pins 20, 25 are used having the corresponding dimensions as set forth herein, the golf ball 15 is spaced apart from the pins 20, 25 at a distance D1 of 12 feet, and the penalty line 40 is spaced apart from the pin line 35 at a distance D2 of 18 inches. Various other embodiments are envisioned to make the game more or less difficult. In another embodiment that may be used by children or those with less skill, the distance D1 may be decreased to less than 12 feet, for example to 6 feet or less, and/or the distance D2 may be increased to more than 18 inches, for example to 3 feet or more, depending on the age and skill level of the children. In yet another embodiment that may be used by more accomplished golfers, the distance D1 may be increased to more than 12 feet, for example to 15 feet or more, and/or the distance D2 may be decreased to less than 18 inches, for example to 12 inches or less, depending on the skill level of the golfers.

The game of the present invention can be played as follows. After positioning the ball 15 and the pins 20, 25, and defining or locating the penalty line 40 (or a barrier to serve as the penalty line 40), as described above, the ball 15 can be struck with a putter 60 (i.e., putted) in the direction of the pins 100. The object of the game is to knock down the first pin 20 without knocking down either of the second pins 25 and without having the ball 15 cross the penalty line 40. Therefore, the game of the present invention tests both the accuracy of aim and the accuracy of striking force of a golfer making a putt.

Several outcomes may result from each putt: the ball 15 may knock down only the first pin 20, the ball 15 may knock down the first pin 20 and one or both of the second pins 25, the ball 15 may knock down only one of the second pins 25, or the ball may knock down neither the first pin 20 nor either of the second pins 25. In combination with knocking down, or failing to knock down the pins 20, 25, the ball 15 may also stop rolling prior to reaching the penalty line 40 or may hit or roll across the penalty line 40.

Using the dimensions set forth above, wherein distance D1 is 12 feet, the distance D2 is 3 feet, and a standard golf ball 15 is used with correspondingly sized pins 20, 25 spaced apart at 2.5″ centers, a golfer must putt within an accuracy of less than 1° to hit only the first pin 20 and within an accuracy of about 3° to hit at least one of the pins 25. In addition, the golfer must be not only accurate in aim but accurate in the striking force. If the ball 15 continues to roll across the penalty line 40, the golfer will be penalized, regardless whether the ball 15 strikes one or more pins 20, 25 or misses all of the pins 20, 25. It is readily apparent that adjusting the distance D1 to be shorter or longer will respectively decrease or increase the accuracy of aim required, and adjusting the distance D2 to be shorter or longer will respectively increase or decrease the accuracy of striking force required.

Golfer performance is tracked using a scoring system that mimics the game of golf itself, using a par 4 hole as a reference. If the golf ball 15 knocks down only the first pin 20, then the golfer receives a score of 1 (or hole-in-one). If the golf ball 15 knocks down the first pin 20 and one or more second pins 25, then the golfer receives a score of 2 (or eagle). If the golf ball 15 knocks down only one of the second pins 25, then the golfer receives a score of 3 (or birdie). If the golf ball 15 stops short of the pins 20, 25, or if the golf ball 15 hits but does not knock down any of the pins 20, 25, or if the golf ball 15 is misaimed and reaches the pin line 35 but fails to hit any of the pins 20, 25, then the golfer receives a score of 4 (or par).

If the golf ball 15 crosses the penalty line 40, the golfer is penalized one stroke. Accordingly, if the golf ball 15 knocks down only the first pin 20 and subsequently crosses the penalty line 40, then the golfer receives a score of 2 (or eagle). If the golf ball 15 knocks down the first pin 20 and one or more second pins 25 and subsequently crosses the penalty line 40, then the golfer receives a score of 3 (or birdie). If the golf ball 15 knocks down only one of the second pins 25 and subsequently crosses the penalty line 40, then the golfer receives a score of 4 (or par). If the golf ball 15 fails to knock down any of the pins 20, 25 and subsequently crosses the penalty line 40, then the golfer receives a score of 5 (or bogie). Further, if the golf ball 15 is not putted with sufficient force to reach the pin line 35, a similar one stroke penalty may be assessed.

In an alternate embodiment of the game, the distance D4 can be selected to create a space having a width D5 between the first pin 20 and each second pin 25 whereby the width D5 is approximately the same as or larger than the diameter X of the ball 15, so that a ball 15 is capable of passing between the first pin 20 and one of the second pins 25 without knocking over either pin. For example, when using a standard sized golf ball 15 having a diameter X of about 1.68″ and pins 20, 25 of corresponding dimensions as described above, the spacing D4 between the centerline of the first pin 20 and each second pin 25 is preferably set greater than approximately 2.7″. When the first pin 20 and the second pins 25 are spaced apart by 2.7″ at the centerlines, the distance D5 between the waist 75 of the first pin 20 and the waist 75 of each of the second pins 25 is 1.7″, which is slightly larger than the diameter of 1.68″ of a standard golf ball 15. Accordingly, a golf ball 15 that is struck so as to travel across the putting surface 50 in a direction generally perpendicular to the pin line 35 is capable of passing between the first pin 20 and one of the second pins 25 without contacting either pin at all or without contacting either pin with sufficient force to knock it over.

Several outcomes may result from each putt when the alternate D4 spacing is used: the ball 15 may knock over only the first pin 20, the ball 15 may pass between the first pin 20 and one of the second pins 25, the ball 15 may knock down the first pin 20 and one or both of the second pins 25, the ball 15 may knock down only one of the second pins 25, or the ball may pass to the outside of either of the second pins 25. In combination with knocking down one or more of the pins 20, 25, passing between two of the pins 20, 25, or passing outside of the pins 25, the ball 15 also may stop rolling prior to reaching the penalty line 40 or may roll across the penalty line 40. Further, the ball 15 may stop rolling prior to reaching the pin line 35.

Golfer performance is tracked using a scoring system as follows. If the golf ball 15 knocks down only the first pin 20, then the golfer receives a score of 1 (or hole-in-one). If the golf ball 15 passes between the first pin 20 and one second pin 25 and/or if the golf ball 15 knocks down both the first pin 20 and one or both second pins 25, then the golfer receives a score of 2 (or eagle). If the golf ball 15 knocks down only one of the second pins 25, then the golfer receives a score of 3 (or birdie). If the golf ball 15 stops short of the pins 20, 25, or if the golf ball 15 hits but does not knock down any of the pins 20, 25, or if the golf ball 15 is misaimed and reaches the pin line 35 but passes outside of the pins 20, 25, then the golfer receives a score of 4 (or par). And, if the golf ball 15 crosses the penalty line 40, the golfer is penalized one stroke. Further, if the golf ball 15 fails to reach the pin line 35, the golfer may be penalized one stroke.

An 18-hole golf game may be played by repeating the sequence of the game of the present invention 18 consecutive times. Each sequence includes setting up the pins 20, 25 spaced apart at a distance D4 to establish a pin line 35, demarcating a penalty line 40 at a distance of D2 behind the pin line 35, positioning the ball 15 at a distance D1 from the pin line 35 in the opposite direction from the penalty line 40, putting the ball 15 (i.e., striking the ball 15 with a putter 60) towards the pins 20, 25, and recording the golfer's score based on the results of the putt.

Although the embodiment of the kit 10 described herein comprises a first pin 20 flanked by two second pins 25, one second pin 25 on either side of the first pin 20, it is understood that variations of the game of the present invention having more than two second pins 25 further spaced apart along the pin line 35 are contemplated with corresponding adaptations in scoring to penalize golfers for decreased accuracy of aim. Note that the distances D1 and D2, and the location of the starting point 32 along the base line 30, may be varied for each hole to simulate different putting conditions.

While the invention has been disclosed with reference to certain preferred embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it have the full scope defined by the language of the following claims. 

1. A golf game comprising: a generally spherical ball having a diameter; a first pin adapted to stand on an end on a putting surface; two second pins each adapted to stand on an end on the putting surface, the second pins being substantially aligned co-linearly with the first pin to form a pin line, one second pin being disposed on either side of the first pin and spaced apart from the first pin by a distance; and a putter for striking the ball to cause the ball to roll toward the pin line with the intention of knocking down one or more of the pins.
 2. The golf game of claim 1, wherein the distance between the first pin and either second pin is slightly less than the diameter of the ball.
 3. The golf game of claim 1, wherein the distance between the first pin and either second pin is greater than or approximately equal to the diameter of the ball.
 4. The golf game of claim 1, further comprising a penalty line disposed on the putting surface spaced apart from the pin line in a first direction, wherein the ball is placed at a starting point spaced apart from the pin line in a second direction opposite the first direction.
 5. The golf game of claim 1, wherein each of the pins has a modified cylindrical shape.
 6. The golf game of claim 5, wherein each of the pins comprises a waist disposed at a height equal to approximately half the diameter of the ball, the waist having a larger diameter than the rest of the pin.
 7. A method of playing a golf game comprising the steps of: a) placing a generally spherical ball on a putting surface at a starting point, the ball having a diameter; b) standing a first pin having a modified cylindrical shape on the putting surface at a first distance from the ball; c) standing two second pins each having a modified cylindrical shape on the putting surface, the second pins being substantially aligned co-linearly with the first pin to form a pin line substantially perpendicular to a line extending between the ball starting point and the first pin, one second pin being disposed on either side of the first pin, each second pin being spaced apart from the first pin by a distance, the ball being spaced apart from the pin line in a first direction; d) striking the ball with a putter to cause the ball to roll towards the pins; and e) recording a score of one if the ball knocks down only the first pin; recording a score of two if the ball knocks down the first pin and one or both of the second pins; recording a score of three if the ball knocks down only one of the second pins; and recording a score of four if the ball fails to knock down any pins.
 8. The method of playing a golf game of claim 7, wherein the distance between the first pin and either second pin is slightly less than the diameter of the ball.
 9. The method of playing a golf game of claim 7, wherein the distance between the first pin and either second pin is greater than or approximately equal to the diameter of the ball, the step (e) further comprising recording a score of two if the ball passes between the first pin and one of the second pins without knocking down either the first pin or the one of the second pins.
 10. The method of playing a golf game of claim 7, further comprising the steps of: f) designating a penalty line spaced apart from the pin line in a second direction opposite the first direction; and g) incrementing the score by one if the ball crosses the penalty line.
 11. The method of playing a golf game of claim 7, further comprising the step of: i) incrementing the score by one if the ball fails to reach the pin line.
 12. A method of playing a golf game of claim 7, wherein the steps (a) through (e) are repeated eighteen times and a total score is recorded comprising the sum of the scores recorded in each step (e).
 13. A kit for playing a golf game comprising: a first pin having a modified cylindrical shape and adapted to stand on an end on a putting surface; two second pins each having a modified cylindrical shape and adapted to stand on an end on the putting surface; and a template for positioning the pins so that the second pins are substantially aligned co-linearly with the first pin to form a pin line, one second pin being disposed on either side of the first pin, each second pin being spaced apart from the first pin by a distance.
 14. The kit of claim 13, wherein the template provides for spacing each second pin apart from the first pin by a distance slightly less than the diameter of a standard golf ball.
 15. The kit of claim 13, wherein the template provides for spacing each second pin apart from the first pin by a distance greater than or approximately equal to the diameter of a standard golf ball.
 16. A kit for playing a golf game comprising: a first pin having a modified cylindrical shape and adapted to stand on an end on a putting surface; two second pins each having a modified cylindrical shape and adapted to stand on an end on the putting surface; and a matt comprising markings designating a first spot for placing the first pin and two second spots for placing the second pins, each second spot being substantially aligned co-linearly with the first spot to form a pin line, each second spot being disposed on either side of the first spot and spaced apart from the first spot by a distance.
 17. The kit of claim 16, wherein the second spots are spaced apart by a distance from the first spot such that the space between the first pin and each second pin is slightly less than the diameter of a standard golf ball.
 18. The kit of claim 16, wherein the second spots are spaced apart by a distance from the first spot such that the space between the first pin and each second pin is greater than or approximately equal to the diameter of a standard golf ball.
 19. The kit of claim 16, the matt further comprising a marking designating a starting point for placing a ball, the starting point being spaced apart from the pin line.
 20. The kit of claim 16, the matt further comprising a marking designating a penalty line, the penalty line being spaced apart from the pin line. 